Sangfroid
in
Dublin
Dr. Codd gives a very good instance of coolness and presence
of mind under adverse circumstances.
Being near Steven’s Hospital in Dublin early one summer’s morning he noticed some carriages containing gentlemen proceeding in the direction of Phoenix Park.
He tells us how “impelled by curiosity" he followed, until they halted near to the Under Secretary’s Lodge. He then observed two gentlemen, armed with pistols, placed opposite each other, at a short distance, and that one of them faced the dazzling sun (his second having evidently lost the toss for choice of position). The man thus exposed to such a dangerous impediment of vision, wheeled round, and with perfect sangfriod transferred the pistol to his left hand, with which he fired and hit his adversary. Such presence of mind made a strong impression upon Dr. Codd.
(Courtesy of Duelling Days in the Army by William Douglas)
David Stroud ramrodantiques.co.uk
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